Curl Defining

– Do you spend hours fighting with your hair, trying to bully your curls into lying straight and smooth? Do you set your alarm extra early, just to struggle with flat irons, blow-driers and five pounds of product? And after finally taming your curls into submission, do you step out of your front door only to have the wind or humidity whip your hair into a frizzy mess?

Embracing your curls will save you time and worry, lead to more beautiful and healthier hair, and make you the envy of women with stick-straight locks.

Whether your hair falls in soft waves or bounces around your face in tight curls, you need to take proper care of it to keep it shiny, healthy and full of life. Start with the right cut. Curls generally look best when weighed down with a bit of extra length, although a really good short cut can also be extremely flattering.

One of the most important things to know about curly hair is that it's very thirsty. Curly locks tend to be dry, brittle and coarse. This dryness can lead to the dreaded frizz that is the bane of every curly girl's existence. Luckily, with a bit of effort and some extra moisture, you can banish frizz and enhance your curls.

Start with a shampoo specially formulated for curly hair, and then condition, condition, condition. Your hair simply can't get enough moisture! Daily conditioners and leave-in conditioners should both have a place in your daily routine. To lock in moisture even more, consider adding a weekly deep conditioning to your curl care routine.

Of course, conditioning your hair isn't enough on its own to sculpt and define your curls. If you want a head full of glorious curls, then you need a curl-defining styling product, like a gel, a mousse, or a styling cream. These products will help shape and define your curls, leaving you with bouncy, healthy hair that frames your face. After squeezing out any excess water with a towel, work the product through your damp hair. Flip your head upside down and gently shake, letting your curls fall into their natural shape. If you absolutely must use a blow-dryer, use a diffuser, but consider abandoning it altogether and letting your hair air dry, since heat can damage curly hair.

Serums, defrizzers and smoothing creams are also important for curly hair. These products coat your hair cuticles, sealing in moisture and adding gloss and shine to your hair. Products containing silicone are especially good for taming frizz.

When styling your hair, less is more. The more you touch and fuss with your curls, the more unruly they'll be. Trust your hair, curls are at their best when allowed to air dry and settle into their own shape.

Rather than fighting to tame your curls, embrace them. With a little bit of extra love, your hair can be beautiful, free and full of life just like you!